Under the blistering lights of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Greg Dolor and the PGJC-Navy Sealions authored a tale of resilience and redemption that will echo through the annals of Spikers’ Turf history.
With a ‘nothing to lose’ mantra pulsating through their veins, the Sealions orchestrated a remarkable comeback, defying the odds stacked against them in a showdown for the ages against the formidable D’Navigators.
Emerging from a sluggish start in the opener and grappling through a nail-biting second set, the Sealions found themselves staring into the abyss of a 0-2 chasm.
Yet, instead of succumbing to the looming specter of defeat, they summoned a collective resolve to claw their way back into contention.
What ensued was a battle of wills, a symphony of sweat and determination that culminated in a heart-stopping five-set thriller: 18-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-18.
“Yung sinabi ko sa mga teammates ko, wala nang mawawala. Kumbaga, ibigay na lang natin ang ating best, i-enjoy lang natin, para lang tayong nage-ensayo, para lumabas ang laro ng bawat isa,” articulated the indomitable team captain, Dolor.
“Kapag masyado nating iniisip ang laro, parang nagiging kaba. Maglaro lang kayo, normal lang, normal lang ang laro natin,” he added, encapsulating the fearless spirit that ignited the Sealions' resurgence.
In a tour de force performance, the former Far Eastern University luminary unleashed a barrage of 30 points, a testament to his unwavering determination and prowess on the court.
With 26 thunderous attacks, three impenetrable blocks, and a lone ace, Dolor spearheaded Navy’s charge, leaving an indelible mark on the semis clash.
“Lumabas ang laro namin lalo na sa dulo, malakas ang loob, parang wala nang mawawala. Kung outside 'yan, eh 'di outside, bawi agad. Ganun lang. Agad na mag-recover. 'Yun ang pinagtuunan namin, ang pagtitiwala na makakagawa ng maganda ang bawat isa sa amin,” reflected Dolor, his words echoing the unwavering faith that propelled the Sealions to victory.
For Sealions head honcho, George Pascua, the triumph over the D’Navigators serves as a springboard for greater conquests. With eyes set on the bronze series, where they will once again lock horns with their vanquished foes, Pascua exhorted his charges to maintain their positive mindset and unyielding spirit.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila, wala nang mawawala basta lumaban lang. Manalo o matalo, ang mahalaga ay nandoon ang positibong hangarin na kayang-kaya nilang talunin ang kalaban kahit nasa disadvantage na sa dalawang set,” asserted Pascua, his voice resonating with conviction.
“Nakamit na namin ang tagumpay. Sana tuluy-tuloy na ito hanggang sa makamit natin ang bronze. Kahit na lang ang bronze,” he concluded, epitomizing the unwavering determination that fuels the Sealions’ quest for glory.
